An optimization approach for multi-sectoral water supply management in the Greater Beirut Area

This paper presents a model that was developed and applied to serve as a water supply multi-sectoral decision support system for water resources management taking economic and socio-environmental factors into consideration. The applicability of the model was tested in the Greater Beirut Area by examining future supply–demand management alternatives and quantifying the cost–benefit of viable policies. The effect of eliminating a particular source to account for resources depletion and public acceptability, as well as increased returns from water use were proven to affect greatly the water allocation scheme. The model can also be a useful tool to assess the effect of decreasing unit costs from water supply options (desalination) and the resulting breakeven point, and the effect of increased water demand due to unplanned growth (tourism).